Trails of Japan

Prices 13 days from £5,490pp

Days 1-2 Fly to Tokyo

Fly overnight to the dazzling metropolis of Tokyo, Japan's capital city. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Day 3 Discover Tokyo

Your Tokyo tour begins at the Tokyo Skytree, the world's tallest tower at 634 metres. Close by is Asakusa, at the heart of which is Sensoji, Tokyo's oldest temple, and the vibrant Nakamise shopping street. This afternoon drive by the famous Shibuya Crossing, before stopping at the Meiji Shrine and Harajuku district. Finally, it's time for a uniquely Tokyo experience - the Robot Restaurant. Here you'll experience what can only be described as a sci-fi cabaret - utterly surreal and only in Japan! Dinner is at leisure.

Day 4 Japanese Drumming

This morning, try your hand at traditional Japanese drumming with a Taiko class, where you will learn the fundamental techniques of beating the 'wadaiko' with 'bachi'. Next, head to Akihabara, Tokyo's electronics district. Wander the neon-billboarded streets and visit a Maid Café, one of Tokyo's most popular types of themed establishments. In the afternoon, explore Tokyo's past at the Edo-Tokyo Museum.

Day 5 Mount Fuji

The perfectly symmetrical cone of mighty Mt Fuji is the iconic image of Japan. This morning, you will journey out of Tokyo into some of Japan's beautiful countryside at the foot of the mountain. Pick up a hiking trail and tramp through alpine forest, across meadows and around lakes at Fuji's base, pausing often to gaze on the peak towering above you.

Day 6 Snow Monkeys

Travel to Matsumoto and explore the magnificent Matsumoto Castle, also known as 'Crow Castle' due to its black exterior. Continue to Nagano stopping in Yudanaka to visit the Japanese Macaques, or Snow Monkeys, at the Jigokudani Yaen-Koen (Monkey Park). These creatures are unique in the fact that they make use of the area's natural hot springs, bathing and playing in and around the water.

Day 7 Japanese Alps

Travel to Hotaka and ride up into the Japanese Alps on the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway for breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains (weather permitting). Drive to Takayama where you will be staying at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn with onsen facilities. Here you can relax and bathe in the natural hot spring pools and experience this most traditional pastime. This afternoon you will have time to explore Kamisannomachi Street and sample the street food on offer. This evening enjoy a Hida beef dinner.

Day 8 Bullet Train to Kyoto

Take a Limited Express train to Nagoya, where you'll change onto a Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto. This afternoon, start discovering Kyoto's rich heritage with a visit to the enchanting Fushimi Inari Shrine with its pathway of vermillion torii gates before admiring the views over the city from Kiyomizu Temple. Stroll around the old neighbourhoods of Higashiyama and Gion, the geisha district, with a stop at Gion Corner, which showcases the seven professional performing arts.

Day 9 Japanese Tea Ceremony

Start today by visiting Kinkakuji Temple, known as the 'Golden Pavilion', and Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan's most famous zen garden. Continue to the Arashiyama district where you will have some free time to explore the Bamboo Forest as well as enjoying a rickshaw ride. Later, witness the rituals involved in the preparation and pouring of matcha tea in a traditional tea ceremony.

Day 10 Kyoto culture & Koya-San

Spend the morning discovering the craft of kimono creation and the complicated process of dressing in a traditional kimono at Nishijin Textile Centre, before a cultural experience that will see you learning the art of origami. This afternoon, travel by road to Koya-san, where you will spend the night in a 13th-century temple sleeping on a traditional futon on a tatami mat floor.

Day 11 Morning Prayers

Rise early to join the monks for their daily morning service - hearing the recitation and chanting is a magical experience. After breakfast, take a walking tour of Koya-san. One of Japan's holiest sites, this mountain top sanctuary is full of temples and pagodas to explore. Pay a visit to Kongobuji Temple and Okunoin cemetery before travelling to Osaka.

Day 12 Himeji Castle & Sake Brewery

Take a day tour to Himeji to visit the 17th-century Himeji Castle which is considered a prime example of Japanese feudal period architecture. Continue to a sake brewery, where you can learn about the brewing process of this potent rice wine and enjoy some tasters. Return to Osaka and experience the bright and brash Dotonbori district. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner.

Day 13 Fly Osaka to UK

Transfer to the airport and fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.

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From £5,490 per person

Please contact us for alternative dates, durations and departure airports. Prices shown are for guidance only and are subject to availability.

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